the first time that we saw him
we were worried for his health
he was sat upon a seat nearby
and talking to himself
his fingernails were broken
like his unconnected speech
and he spoke of really nothing
as he stared towards the beach
the next time that we saw him
he was stroking a stray cat
whose paws were hid beneath its fur
right where the stressed man sat
my wife first smiled then spoke to him
and asked him how things were
he was worried that his wife was ill
and sad he didn't care
the last time that we saw him
his whole head was in his hands
we were sitting on those seats again
across from Margate sands
beside him was a notepad
dated 1921
he stood up from his seat and then
half smiled and then was gone
we read what he had written
on that pad he left behind:
“these words of hope then hoplessness
reflect my state of mind.
~ ~ ~
"On Margate Sands.
I can connect
Nothing with nothing."
(T.S. Eliot / "The Waste Land")
Categories:
margate, beach, mental illness, sea,
Form: Rhyme
I remember art deco things,
I remember peaches and wine
I remember sirens in the night,
I remember waving goodbye
I remember the boardwalk on a cloudy day,
I remember an elephant in pink
I remember the fire engine returning
I remember my father—I think
(Villanova Pennsylvania: April, 2017)
‘Memories of Margate during the Korean War’
Categories:
margate, memory, war,
Form: Rhyme
In a New Jersey town, an elephant stands.
This pachyderm faces northward while on the sands.
This unique house was built near the beach.
On the east coast, it is well within reach.
Majestically picturesque standing six stories high,
it has stood since 1882 for tourists passing by.
This place is listed as a U. S. historical site.
To countless visitors, she has been a delight.
Lucy was constructed by James V. Lafferty.
This house can be found in Margate, New Jersey.
This wood and tin structure fell into disrepair.
However, she was saved by citizens who care.
For over a century, Lucy has been around.
With many more future tourists may she be found.
Categories:
margate, travelhouse, house,
Form: Rhyme